Back to School, Back to Soccer

Week One Vibes and tips to get started

Week One: Back to School, Back to Soccer

The season kicks off this week—and for many, next week will also include going back to school! You can feel the shift: routines returning, energy rising, and kids ready to play. But don’t expect perfection this first week. Expect smiles, movement, and a little fatigue. It’s hot, they’re adjusting, and that’s okay.

Let the good energy flow. If your drills go off course, roll with it. Meet the players where they’re at, and challenge them with what they can give. Focus on reintroducing key skills:

Skill Refreshers

• Dribbling: The #1 skill—always. Ball control builds confidence.
• Passing: Important as they grow, but dribbling lays the foundation.
• Left Foot Use: Players who develop both feet have a real edge.

Don’t Forget Defense

Kids naturally lean toward offense and scoring—but defense wins games. This week, reintroduce one defensive principle. Keep it simple and consistent:

• Marking
• Staying goal-side
• Delaying attackers
• Communication

You can’t cover everything in one week, so pick one and build from there. Remind them: keeping the other team from scoring gives us the best chance to win.

Also—check out the Podcast tab or the link below! A brand-new interview dropped yesterday. It features Tara Bowen and Gabby Palache. They discuss their dynamics as a mother-daughter and coach-player duo. The interview is packed with insight and inspiration for coaches and leaders alike. Whether you’re on the field or behind the scenes, it’s a great listen to fuel your week.

See you around the fields! Keep adapting, keep encouraging, and keep showing up. It’s great to see everyone getting back into the groove of school and soccer life. See you around the fields!